Outdoor Equipment

ABSTRACT

A lightweight, collapsible foot pump made of a lightweight, collapsible material and filled with a foam like material which features large open cells to contain a large volume of air. The foam acting as a return spring for the pump.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to outdoor equipment and moreparticularly, relates to outdoor equipment such as tents, ice axes,inflatable tent stiffening members and foot pumps.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Outdoor enthusiasts are more prevalent today than in years past. Moreand more people are taking to the outdoors and taking part in variousoutdoor activities including, but not limited to, camping, bicycling,ice climbing, rock climbing and the like. Invariably, these peoplerequire equipment to partake in their selected sport. Most of theseindividuals are demanding strong, lightweight, and easy to use outdoorgear. Indeed in many sports, such as rock climbing or ice climbing, muchof the outdoor equipment is the only thing as standing between life anddeath. Failure of the outdoor equipment can have devastatingconsequences. Accordingly, there is a need for high quality, easy touse, strong and lightweight outdoor equipment.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to belimited to a device or method which must satisfy one or more of anystated or implied objects or features of the invention. It is alsoimportant to note that the present invention is not limited to thepreferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein.Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is notto be limited except by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bebetter understood by reading the following detailed description, takentogether with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a foam filled the fabric pump accordingto one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of the foama filled the fabric pump of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded diagram of a fill and dump valve in accordancewith one aspect of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4E are schematic diagrams illustrating a hard or solid walltent in accordance with one feature of the present invention and showhow the tent would be disassembled and rolled into a carrying sack;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the hard wall tent of thepresent invention during the first stage of disassembly or last stage ofassembly;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the hard wall tent of thepresent invention and yet a further stage of assembly or disassembly;

FIG. 7 is yet another schematic illustration of the hard wall tent ofthe present invention and other stage of disassembly or assembly;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the hard wall tent of the presentinvention fully assembled illustrating a door allowing access to theinterior of the tent;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the hard wall tent of thepresent invention rolled up and stored in the stuff sack for easystoring and carrying;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a fabric covered spring tube tent inaccordance with one feature of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the fabric covered spring tube tent of FIG. 10in the collapsed condition;

FIG. 12 the fabric covered spring to a tent of the present invention inuse;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a hard surface hold down device accordingto yet another feature of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic review of the hard surface hold down device ofFIG. 12 upon which a rock, log or other device has been placed;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram all of an ice screw in accordance withthe present invention having a sliding knob which engages the ice screwhandle with the ice screw shaft;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an ice screw inaccordance with the present invention which utilizes a ratchet mechanismto engage the handle with the ice screw shaft;

FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of the ice screw accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 18 is side view of one embodiment of the tubular body of the icescrew shown in FIG. 17 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a plan view of one embodiment of the handle/hanger and themoveable clip of the ice screw shown in FIG. 17 according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the handle/hangershown in FIG. 17 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of one embodiment of the handle/hanger and themoveable clip of the ice screw shown in FIG. 17 according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the ice screw shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the moveable clipaccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a side view of one embodiment of the moveable clip shown inFIG. 19;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the moveable clipaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of an adjustable ax and pick inaccordance with the other another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustableaxe according to the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of the adjustable axe shown in FIG. 27according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of a tent having an overlapping top doorportion which takes the place of the vestibule;

FIG. 30 is a schematic drawing of the user entering the tent of FIG. 18having an overlapping top door portion;

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a tent having generally permanentlyattached hinged poles in accordance with one feature of the presentinvention;

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of another type of tent having generallypermanently attached hinged poles in accordance with one feature of thepresent invention;

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram of a dual axis hinge in accordance withone aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram showing the dual axis hinge of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram of a single axis hinge according toanother feature of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram of a tent having rigid poles sewn intosleeves or pockets of a tent;

FIG. 37 illustrates a tent ready to be folded having a combination ofsewn in and hinged poles in accordance with one feature of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram of a tent having an improved air beamsuspension in accordance with one feature of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Many new tent designs are now utilizing their bladders as supportstructures for the tent. Unfortunately, however, the human lung cannotprovide enough pressure to appropriately inflate the tent bladder.Accordingly, a pump of some sort must be used to in effect amplifier thelong pressure. Since the lungs can only comfortably provideapproximately one half pounds of pressure, 4 or 5 pounds are required toproperly fill a tent bladder.

FIG. 1 illustrates a foot pump 10 in accordance with one feature of thepresent invention. The foot pump is made of a lightweight collapsiblematerial, such as urethane coated fabric 12 and is filled withreticulated foam 14. The fabric material 12 this selected such that itcan be easily assembled such as by sewing, gluing, RF welding and thelike. The foam features very large open cells and contains approximately97% air. The foam acts as the return spring for the pump 10. The pump 10can easily be stored in the tent itself or placed into a stuff sack andcarried to remote locations.

The preferred embodiment of the pump 10 includes a number of bellows orsections 16. Although in the preferred embodiment includes threesections 16, this is not a limitation of the present invention as one ormore sections will suffice. The bellows prevent its upward deflection ofthe competent 10 wherein compressed. This assures that all of the airfound in the bellows will be transferred out of the bellows.

In order to effectively use the pump of the present invention, a valve18 must be provided which serves the function of allowing the bellows toquickly fill with air. The filling with air must be nearly instantaneousotherwise the user will have to wait an inordinate amount of time forthe bellows to refill before the air can be squeezed or compressed outof the pump again.

Accordingly, the present invention solves this problem by providing aunique valve 18. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, the valve 18includes a traditional quick dump valve 20 such as available from HulkeyRoberts as dump valve 650AD combined with the valve segment 22 whichforms a check valve. The umbrella valve segment 22, such as availablefrom the Vernay company, interfaces with valve platform 24. The tip orprotrusion 26 of the valve segment 22 is inserted into opening 28 of thevalve platform 24. Lastly, a semi-rigid ring 30 is provided against thebottom region 34 of the fabric material 32 to which the valve 18 ismounted.

To assemble a valve 18 of the present invention, the dump valve 20 is RFwelded or otherwise attached to the top surface 36 of the fabric orother material 32 to which the valve 18 is mounted. Next, the umbrellavalve segment 22 is mated with the valve platform 24. Finally, a semirigid ring 30 having approximately the same as or slightly greaterdiameter than the valve 22 is provided and RF welded or otherwiseattached to the under surface 34 of the fabric or other material 32 towhich the valve 18 is attached. The semi rigid ring 30 serves to makesure that the fabric 32 remains open in the area of the valve 18 to besure that the air can easily enter the valve 18 which serves as therefill valve. The valve support number 24 and the ring 30 are typicallydie cut pieces from sheet urethane or other similar material.Accordingly, the valve 18 allows the air to be squeezed out of thebellows into a tube or other similar device 38, FIG. 1, while the valvenumber 22 prevents the air from escaping the valve 18 when the bellows12 are compressed.

When mountaineering, particularly in extreme weather conditions,individuals are either reluctant to use or wish there was an alternativeto fabric tents. This is because the fabric tends to blow apart,particularly in a situation with wind-driven snow. The snow acts as anabrasive and actually wears away the fabric. The failed tent could spelldisaster or death for its inhabitants. Accordingly, many of theindividuals who participate in mountaineering and other severe weatherclimbing activities desire to have a more stable tent. However, suchtent must be easy to pack into remote locations.

Accordingly, the present invention features, in accordance with oneaspect of the invention, a hard shell or solid wall tent 50, FIG. 4A.The tent is comprised of two halves namely, first-half 52 andsecond-half 54. Each half 52 and 54 includes two zippered regions 56 and58. In addition, both halves are permanently attached proximate region60.

Each half 52 and 54 are each further comprised of two quarters 62, 64.Each quarter 62, 64 are permanently attached together by a piece offabric or webbing 66. The fabric or webbing 66 is sewn across the twoquarters 62, 64 by first overlapping the two quarters 62, 64 as shown inthe exploded view of FIG. 4B1, falling which the webbing or fabric 66 isplaced. By using this construction, the two quarters 62 and 64 may onlybe folded up in one direction as indicated by arrow 68. The webbing canbe any type of material that is lightweight, strong, and resiststearing. The material may be any suitable width. The webbing 66 forms ahinge for the two quarters 62, 64.

As shown in FIG. 4C, each quarters 62 and 64 are then folded up upon oron top of one another. Lastly, as shown in FIG. 4D, the two foldedhalves are folded again on top of one another and may then be rolledalong their length in the direction indicated generally by arrow 74,before being stored in a storage sack as shown in FIG. 4E.

In the preferred embodiment, the hard or solid wall tent 50 is made ofcorrugated plastic, approximately 1/16″ thick. High-density polyethyleneor similar product would be appropriate. The corrugations are arrangedacross the width of the quarters as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, a thinlayer of foam may be laminated to the interior region of the tentquarters to serve as insulation. The quarters may also have preventsinstalled for venting the interior of the tent. With a hard shell tentsuch as described herein, the user can set up the tent in a freestandingformat or set up the tent and shovel snow against the sides foradditional insulation and protection against the wind. The hard shelltent 50 of the present invention may be made of a dark colored materialto help make the interior dark and easier to sleep in during thedaylight hours or in conditions wherein the sun does not set, therebyfacilitating sleeping. The tent is quieter than fabric tents, and windwill not cause the sides to flap.

Another feature of the hard shell tent of the present invention is thateach individual quarter panel has a tendency to roll up on itselfbecause it is made of a thin sheet of corrugated plastic. Accordingly,by simply releasing one of the zippers 56 that hold the two halvestogether and one of the zippers 57 that attach to the fabric floor 59,one end of the half that has been in zippered has a tendency to roll upon itself as shown in FIG. 8, thereby automatically creating an openingto the interior of the tent.

One additional feature of the hard shell tent of the present inventionis its ease of rolling up and placing it in a stuff sack for easytransportation, FIG. 9.

Another feature of the present invention is a fabric covered spring“tube like” tent which can serve as an emergency “shelter” for hikers orother outdoor enthusiasts. Individuals wanting to take shelter oftenbuild a snow cave or shelter. In order to do so, they have to dig out ahole in the snow. The user gets wet which exposes them to a serious riskof hypothermia. In order to solve this problem, the present inventionfeatures a fabric covered coiled spring structure 80, FIG. 10, which canbe used to form a tent. According to this aspect of the invention, thisspring is a sufficient diameter to allow a user to crawl into theopening 82 formed in one end of the structure 80. The other end of thestructure 84 is covered with fabric.

In use, a user simply stretches out the fabric covered spring structureand covers or buries it in snow, FIG. 12. This activity does not forcethe user to crawl inside a snow cave thereby getting wet. The fabriccovering 86 is of a type to be strong, lightweight and preferablywaterproof or at least water resistant. The side of the tent may includeone or more tie downs or anchor straps 88 which serve to keep thestructure 80 in place. Like all tents, the structure may include one ormore air vents 89 as well as a drawstring entrance cover 90. When not inuse, the structure 80 of the present invention is simply collapsed likethe bellows of an accordion into a thin package as shown in FIG. 11.This package may then be easily stored in a backpack or stuff sack,taking up minimal space.

Mountaineering and rock climbing activities often find the outdoorenthusiast having to set up a tent on a hard, stone surface. It is notpossible to drive a tent stake into such a hard surface. Usingtraditional tent loops provided on the tent does not give the userenough surface area or mass to anchor the tent using another object suchas a stone or rock placed on the typical tent stake loop. Accordingly,yet another feature of the present invention includes a tent anchoringloop having a second and smaller loop 90, FIG. 13, proximate the far endof the tent stake loop 92 away from the tent or other structure to beanchored 94. The smaller loop 90 of the present invention preferablyincludes one “twist” in the fabric which forms the loop.

In use, a user simply places a traditional tent stake 96 the into thesmall loop 90. The twist in the loop fabric helps to hold the stake 96in place, providing some “resistance” for the stake 96 therebypreventing it from sliding out. The user may then place a rock, log orother structure 98, FIG. 14, on top of the stake 90, thereby relativelysecurely holding down the tent 94 or other similar structure.

In recent years, ice climbing has become increasingly popular. Animportant piece of protective equipment when ice climbing is the icescrew. The ice screw is a hollow, externally threaded tube with sharpteeth on one end and a handle on the other. The ice screw is insertedinto the body of ice by the climber to help prevent the climber fromhitting the ground during a fall. The placement of ice screws isessential for safety, but very strenuous during the climb and made worseby the possibility of dropping an ice screw during its placement.

Improvements in ice screw design have been focused mainly on methods ofcarrying the screws when they are not in use, and on efficientlyscrewing them into the ice after the threads have been started. Themajor shortcoming of the known designs is in the method of getting thescrew started in the ice. The known designs are difficult to get startedin the ice and easily dropped during the process. Typically, the climberwill have only one hand free to remove the ice screw from their harness,to get it started in the ice, to turn the screw until it is fullyinserted and finally to attach the carabiner and rope. Getting the screwstarted in the ice with only one hand is a tenuous operation. Inconventional designs, it is necessary to let go of the screw whileturning it in order to reposition the hand. This repositioning makes ithard to maintain the angle of the screw. If the screw wobbles, it tendsto damage the ice and prevent the threads from engaging. Not only doesrepositioning the hand make it harder to get the screw started, it alsoincreases the likelihood of dropping a screw. Because the ice screws areheavy and bulky, a climber does not carry many extras, so dropping evenone screw can significantly compromise the climber's safety.

Accordingly, what is needed is a device that facilitates inserting anice screw into the body of ice. The device should be easily screwed inplace with one hand and should allow the user to continue to rotate theice screw without having to let go of the ice screw to reposition hishand. As can be appreciated, the weight of the device should also beminimized in order to reduce the amount the climber must carry. Finally,the device must be strong and durable and capable of operating reliably,without maintenance in the extreme weather conditions present during iceclimbing.

Accordingly, and another feature the present invention is an ice screwhaving a handle which can engage and disengage from the ice screw shaftwithout the user having to release the lateral pressure on the ice screwshaft itself. In one embodiment of the ice screw 100, FIG. 15 inaccordance with the present invention, the invention features a springloaded sliding tab 102 having a front engagement region 104 whichinterfaces with a corresponding engagement region 106 on the ice screwshaft 108. The ice screw shaft 108 includes, proximate the distal end, anumber of regions 106 with which the tab 102 may engage.

In use, the user holds handle 110 and rotates the ice screw clockwiseuntil user's hand can no longer turn the ice screw. Then, whilecontinuing to apply for pressure on the ice screw, the user holds backsliding tab 102 which disengages the handle from the shaft 108. The useof and rotates the handle counterclockwise, releases the sliding tab 102which snaps into place with one or more engagement regions 106 on theshaft 108. The user then turns the handle clockwise to further set theice screw. This release/engagement movement is continued until the icescrew is set to the proper depth.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the ice screw 100 may includeany ratchet type mechanism 112 such as found on a socket wrench. Theuser simply rotates his or her hand clockwise while keeping lateralpressure on the ice screw in the direction indicated generally by arrow113. To take the ice screw out of the ice, the user simply the pressesor moves button 114 to allow the ratchet mechanism 112 to work inreverse, again, much like a standard socket wrench.

According to another embodiment of the ice screw, the present inventionfeatures an ice screw 210, FIG. 17, that is lightweight, strong anddurable, and which facilitates the insertion of the ice screw 210 into abody of ice (not shown) without requiring the user to lessen or removehis hand from the ice screw 210. The ice screw 210 features a generallyhollow and tubular body 212, a hanger/handle 213, and a ratchetingdevice 215. As will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, theclimber grasps the hanger/handle 213 with his hand, pushes and rotatesthe tubular body 212 into the body of ice, and uses the ratchetingdevice 215 to reposition his hand so as to push and twist again withouthaving to release and regrasp the ice screw 210.

The tubular body 212 features an externally threaded region 214 disposedproximate at least a first end 216. The first end 216 also features atoothed region 218 to aid in cutting through the body of ice. As bestseen in FIG. 18, the second end 220 of the tubular body 212 features ahead 222. The head 222 includes an upper and lower generally circularflange 224, 226. Both the upper and lower flange 224, 226 extendgenerally outward and normal to the tubular body 212. In the preferredembodiment, the upper flange 224 extends outwardly slightly further thanthe lower flange 226, though the lower flange 226 could be larger thanthe upper flange 224 or the upper and lower flange 224, 226 could besubstantially the same size. For exemplary purposes only, the standarddiameter of the tubular body 212 in the industry has becomeapproximately 16.5mm. A common minimum diameter for the flanges 224, 226might be 18.5mm. Disposed between the upper and lower flange 224, 226 isa multifaceted region 228. For exemplary purposes only, the multifacetedregion 228 forms a hexagonal shape. As will be evident from thefollowing description, the number of faces and arrangement of themultifaceted region 228 can vary and is within the knowledge of oneordinary skill in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 19-22, the hanger/handle 213 extends generallyoutwardly from the tubular body 212. As can be best seen in FIG. 22, thehanger/handle 213 preferably extends slightly upwards and away from thesecond end region 220 of the tubular body 212. This hanger/handlearrangement increases the clearance between the hanger/handle 213 andthe body of the ice when the screw is being placed. Alternatively, thehanger/handle 213 may extend generally perpendicular to the tubular body212.

The hanger/handle 213 also features a body 232. In the preferredembodiment, the body 232 includes a substantially horizontal section233, a planar section 235, and a substantially vertical section 237.Other arrangements and shapes are possible and are within the knowledgeof one of ordinary skill in the art.

The body 232 includes at least one eye 230, preferably disposed in thesubstantially vertical section 237, though this is not a limitation ofthe present invention unless otherwise specifically claimed as such. Theeye 230 allows the climber to secure a carabiner (not shown) to the icescrew 210 as is well known to those skilled in the art.

The body 232 also features an aperture 234, preferably disposed in thesubstantially horizontal section 233. The aperture 234 is sized andshaped to fit around the multifaceted region 228 of the head 222 andallow the multifaceted region 228 to rotate as will be explained ingreater detail hereinbelow.

Additionally, the aperture 234 is smaller than the upper flange 224 suchthat the hanger/handle 213 cannot be removed from the end region 220.During the assembly of the ice screw 210, the tubular body 212 isinserted through the aperture 234 of the handle/hanger 213 first andthen the moveable clip 250 is inserted through the channels 240 on thehandle/hanger 213. In one embodiment, the tabs 266 on the moveable clip250 are folded downwards to prevent its removal. Other embodiments arediscussed hereinbelow. The openings 256, 258 in the moveable clip 250are smaller than the lower flange 226, thereby securing the entireassembly.

The body 232 also features at least one, and preferably two, channels orslots 240. The channels or slots 240 are preferably disposed on a bottomsurface 241 of the substantially horizontal section 233 proximate theaperture 234. Alternatively, the channels or slots 240 may be disposedabout the top surface 243 of the body 232. The channels or slots 240 aresized and shaped to accept at least a portion of a moveable clip 250 andserve to guide and retain the moveable clip 250.

The ratcheting device 215 includes any device known to those skilled inthe art for allowing the handle/hanger 213 to rotate the tubular body212 in a first direction while allowing the handle/hanger 213 to rotatefreely in a second direction without causing the tubular body 212 torotate in the second direction. In the preferred embodiment, theratcheting device 215 features a moveable clip 250, FIGS. 17, 19, and20-25, as mentioned above which is sized and shaped to at leastpartially fit within the channels or slots 240 of the handle/hanger 213.The moveable clip 250 includes a cavity 252 having a first region 254sized and shaped to rotate freely about the head 222 of the tubular body212 and a second region 256 sized and shaped to engage the multifacetedsurface 228 of the head 222.

In the preferred embodiment, the second region 256 is located proximatean opening 258 formed by two legs 265 in the in the moveable clip 250.The two legs 265 preferably include a tab 266 extending either generallyupwards or downwards. The tabs 266 prevent the moveable clip 250 frombecoming separated from the tubular body 212. Alternatively, themoveable clip 250 may include pins in place of the tabs 266 or otherarrangements or shapes which prevent the moveable clip 250 from becomingseparated.

In the exemplary embodiment, the moveable clip 250 slides within thechannels or slots 240 of the handle/hanger 213 between a first and atleast a second position. In the first position, the first region 254 ofthe moveable clip 250 is substantially concentric about the longitudinalaxis A of the tubular body 212. In this first position, thehandle/hanger 213 may rotate freely about the head 222 of the tubularbody 212. A biasing device 280 (preferably a spring or the like thatengages apertures 281 in the moveable clip 250 and the handle/hanger213) is disposed between the moveable clip 250 and the handle/hanger 213and urges the moveable clip 250 towards the second position wherein thesecond region 256 is substantially aligned with the tubular body 212. Inthis second position, the second region 256 engages the multifacetedsurface 228 of the head 222 such that position of the handle/hanger 213and the tubular body 212 are substantially locked together. As a result,movement of the handle/hanger 213 in at least a first direction causesthe tubular body 212 to rotate. It is important to note that the biasingdevice 280 preferably biases the moveable clip 250 towards the secondposition, i.e., the failsafe position. It is possible, however, tohaving the biasing device 280 urge the moveable clip 250 towards thefirst position.

The moveable clip 250 also preferably features a lip 62. As can be bestseen in FIG. 17, the lip 262 extends over at least a portion of the topsurface 243 of the handle/hanger 213. The lip 262 provides and area forthe climber to press against to move the moveable clip 250 from thesecond position to the first position. Additionally, the lip 262 aids inpreventing debris and the like (such as snow, ice, and water) fromentering into the ratcheting device 215.

It is important to note that while the present invention has beendescribed above having a ratcheting device 215 featuring a moveable clip250, this is only for illustrative purposes and to satisfy the best moderequirement. The present invention also includes any device or mechanismthat allows the tubular body 212 of the ice screw 210 to rotate in onedirection when the handle/hanger 213 is rotated while stayingsubstantially motionless when the handle/hanger 213 is rotated in asecond direction. For example, but not limited to, the ratcheting device215 may also include a ratcheting pawl, a chuck, a clutch, or the like.

Another feature of the present invention relates to ice axes. Those whopractice the sport of ice or rock climbing utilize an ax or pick, bothas an aid to climb the face of an ice cliff or rock face, and at othertimes as a device from which to hang or support themselves whileinserting an ice screw or other device into the face being climbed. Inpractical use, the ax and pick both have different requirements. In someinstances, it is desired to have the handle and pick nearly parallel, asthis makes it easy to use the device to hang from. In contrast, an axworks better when the head is approximately perpendicular to the handle.In the prior art, climbers have generally had to carry both a pick andan ax. These climbing tools are very expensive and heavy to bring alongon a complicated or difficult climb. Accordingly, it would be desirableto have one device which is adjustable to suit both purposes.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a tool 350,FIG. 26, is provided which is adjustable to serve both as a pick and anaxe. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, the handleindicated generally by 360, includes two segments 362-364 along with ahandle grip segment 366. The first and second handle segments 362, 364are connected by an adjustable joint 368. The adjustable joint 368 ismade by providing one face each of the handle segments 362 and 364 witha knurled surface. The two neural surfaces are held together tightly byboth 369 securely connecting the two pieces together at the desiredarticulation. Similarly, handle grip segment 366 is connected to handlesegment 364 by means of a corresponding joint 370.

According to one feature of the present embodiment, the head portion 372of the present invention includes a region 374 having a number of teethand a gear-like pattern. The teeth 374 when mounted to the first handlesegment 372 engage with movable gear 376. A pan or bolt arrangementpassing through holes 378 connects the head portion 372 to the firsthandle portion 362 using a nut and bolt or other similar arrangement(not shown but well known in the art). If the user wishes to adjust theangle of the head portion 372 with respect to the handle, he or shemerely needs to turn the movable gear 376 which will cause the headportion 372 to pivot about the axis passing through openings 378. Thismechanism is not too dissimilar from the mechanism of an adjustableopen-end wrench.

An axe 310, according to one embodiment of the present invention,features a pick 312 adjustably disposed about at least one end region314 of a handle portion 316 such that the angle A between the pick 312and the handle 316 can be adjusted by the climber. In this manner, theaxe 310 serves both as a pick and an axe.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pick 312 isrotatably disposed relative to the handle portion 316 about a pivotpoint 313. The handle portion 316 may include a traditional handle, oralternatively may include the handle as described in U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/650,245, filed Feb. 4, 2005, which is fullyincorporated herein by reference.

An end region 318 of the pick 312 that abuts the end region 314 of thehandle portion 316 includes a plurality of teeth 320 in a gear-likepattern. When the pick 312 is mounted to the end region 314 of thehandle 316, the teeth 320 engage with teeth 324 of a movable gear 322,preferably a worm gear or the like, such that as the moveable gear 322is rotated about its longitudinal axis. The movable gear 322 alsopreferably includes an engagement region 333 as will be discussed ingreater detail hereinbelow. As the moveable gear 322 is rotated, theteeth 324 of the moveable gear 322 engage the teeth 320 of the pick 312and the angle A between the pick 312 and the handle portion 316 isaltered.

A setscrew, bolt or similar arrangement (not shown but as well known inthe art) 330, FIG. 28, passes through holes 332 in the end region 318 ofthe pick 312 and the end region 314 of the handle potion 316 [FIG 26]372 to the first handle portion 362. The setscrew 330 is preferably thesame as the pivot point 313 discussed above.

To adjust the angle A of the pick 312 with respect to the handle portion316, the user loosens the setscrew 313. Next, the user inserts anengagement tool 335, preferably an allen wrench or key, into theengagement region 333 of the moveable gear 322. It is important to notethat while the engagement tool 335 and engagement region 333 have beendescribed as an allen head arrangement, this is not a limitation of thepresent invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize thatany other arrangement could be used provided that it does not requireexpensive or overly-complicated equipment.

As the user turns the engagement tool 335, the moveable gear 322 isrotated which causes teeth 320, 324 to engage each other, therebyrotating the pick 312 about the pivot point 313. This mechanism is nottoo dissimilar from the mechanism of an adjustable open-end wrench. Oncethe pick 312 has been adjusted to the desired angle A, the setscrew 330is tightened and the axe 310 is ready to be used.

In the preferred embodiment, the moveable gear 322 is preferablydisposed behind a cover or plate (not shown) which protects the moveablegear 322 from the elements. In an alternative embodiment, the cover maybe removable or not included altogether. It is important to note thatthe engagement tool 335 and engagement device 333 facilitate themovement of the pick 312. While the moveable gear 322 could be adjusteddirectly similar to an open-end wrench, this would difficult and likelyrequire the user to remove his/her gloves in order to get enough grip.Moreover, the moveable gear 322 would have to be exposed in order toallow for access thereby increasing the likelihood of ice/snow/dirtbecoming lodged within the teeth 320, 324.

Individuals who sleep in tents often like to have a tent with avestibule which serves to allow the tent to vent at the same timepreventing rain from entering an open door in the tent. A vestibulehowever adds a fair amount of weight and the bulk to a tent. This isparticularly not advantageous when one is back packing a long distance,to remote areas or difficult to reach locations.

Accordingly, what is needed is a novel mechanism which can vent a tenttoo [UNSURE WHAT MEANING HERE] by performing as a vestibule whilepreventing rain from entering the tent. As shown in FIG. 29, anotheraspect of the present invention includes a tent with an overlapping doorcell. In accordance with the present invention, the top region of thedoor 300 overlaps the bottom region of the door 302 as shown by overlaparea 304. Since the door top 300 overlaps the bottom 302, air is allowedto escape from the interior of the tent such as for example, using astructure or other pole mechanism 306 to provide for venting whilepreventing rain, snow and other whether from entering the tent. In use,the user simply opens the overlapping top door portion 300 by pulling itup and away from the bottom region and craws into the tent. If thewhether is inclement, the entire door flap may be opened using a zipper310 as with prior art tents.

When backpacking, mountaineering, or other types of outdoor activities,it is often desirable to have a tent which is as rigid as possible butalso as lightweight and easy to set up as possible. Traditional tentshaving removable poles are often disdained because the poles may break,get lost in or be difficult to thread on and through the various tabsprovided on a tent. This is particularly true in bad weather or atnight. Poles are often difficult to assemble to each other and areannoying to take apart from themselves as most separate the poles fromthe tent. Although tents provided with air bladders for rigidity areknown, air bladders are limited to rather small tents and providesomewhat less rigidity in the tent structures than do more rigid poles.Accordingly, there is a need for a poled tent which is easy to fold,store and carry as well as easy to set up.

One feature of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a tent420, FIGS. 31 and 32, having hinged poles 422 which a generallypermanently mounted to the tent structure 424 but which have one or morehinged intersecting regions 426. In accordance with one aspect of thehinge 426, the present invention contemplates a double axle hinge 426 asshown in FIGS. 33 and 34.

In another embodiment, a single axis hinge 426 a, FIG. 35 is disclosed.A single axis hinge 426 includes a central region 430 typically madefrom a molded class reinforced nylon material. This material aslightweight and inexpensive. The material includes one or more stopregions 432 which control how much each pole can be opened. The twopoles 434 436 are connected with a central pin 438 or other similarconnector held in place by a split rain or other similar device.

In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 36, atent 450 may be provided which has one or more pockets or sleeves 452into which are permanently or generally permanently sewed poles 454thereby preventing the pole from tearing the fabric of the sleeves 452.In this manner, the tent can be folded up and set up quickly without theneed to fuss with poles. Each pole may be an individual pole segment oralternatively, the poles can be connected together by means of a hinge,as previously described.

An additional feature of the present invention is a new design in airbeam supported tents. As seen in FIG. 38, one aspect of the presentinvention is a tent 480 without redundant air beams. The air beams havean asymmetric design such that one air beam is outside and one isbisected by the tent shell. This approach allows the tent to befreestanding, gives it surprising strength and provides easy access tothe air beam.

Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art areconsidered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is notto be limited except by the following claims.

1. A light weight, collapsible air pump, comprising: an air pumpenclosure made of a light weight, collapsible material and defining aninterior region; a collapsible and expandable material generally fillingsaid interior region, and adapted to contain a significant amount ofair, said collapsible and expandable material serving as a spring forexpanding said enclosure after it has been collapsed; a fill a valve forallowing a air to quickly enter said interior region of said air pumpenclosure when said air pump enclosure moves from a collapsed positionto an expanded position; and an air delivery port, fluidly coupled tosaid interior region of said air pump enclosure, for delivering air toan attached device when said air pump enclosure is collapsed.
 2. The airpump of claim 1 wherein said collapsible and expandable materialgenerally filling said interior region of said air pump enclosureincludes foam.
 3. The air pump of claim 1 wherein said air pumpenclosure includes a bellows shaped fabric structure.
 4. A hard shelltent comprising: a first tent half and a second tent half, said firsttent half attached to said second tent half proximit one a region of thecircumference of both said first and second tent half; first and secondregions of said circumference of both said first and second tent halvesproximate and extending from said attachment point each including afirst and second tent half joining devices; each of said first andsecond tent halves comprising first and second tent quarters, each firstand second tent quarter coupled approximate one edge by a soft, flexiblematerial, for allowing said first-quarter to fold onto said secondquarter, and for said first half to fold on to said second half.
 5. Thehard shell tent of claim 4 wherein each tenant half has an ellipticalshape.
 6. The hard shell tent of claim 4 wherein said tent half joiningdevices include zippers.
 7. A tube like shelter comprising: a spiralspring-like frame structure, said spiral spring-like frame structure inthe shape of the tube defining first and second openings; and a flexibleand collapsible fabric material covering said spiral, spring-like framestructure, for defining a tube having at least a first opening to beused as a shelter.
 8. A tent tie down loop comprising: A loop memberhaving a first and a second end, said loop member divided into first andsecond sections, said first section being substantially larger than saidsecond section, said first end of said first section attached to atenant and comprised of a web like material; and said second sectionformed of a weblike material forming a small pocket through which may beinserted in object to assist in holding down the tent, said weblikematerial of said second section formed with a twist so as to betterengage with said object inserted therein.
 9. An ice screw comprising:Said ice screw comprising a shank portion and a handle portion; and Amechanism for releasably coupling said handle portion to said shankportion, for allowing said handle portion to be repositioned vis-á-visthe axis of said shank portion so as to allow the user to rotate saidhandle portion and said shank portion and to releasably disengage saidhandle portion from said shank portion for reorienting said handleportion vis-á-vis the shank portion.
 10. The ice screw of claim 9wherein said mechanism includes a slide actuated switch.
 11. The icescrew of claim 9 wherein said mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism.12. A mountaineering tool comprising: a head portion pivotably attachedto a first end of a first shank portion; a second shank portionpivotably coupled proximate a first end to a second end of said firstshank portion; and a handle portion pivotably coupled to a second end ofsaid second shank portion.
 13. The mountaineering tool of claim 12wherein said head portion includes an ice pick.
 14. A tent comprising: atent wall having a first portion and a second portion, said firstportion including a region overlapping a corresponding region of saidsecond portion; and a strut mechanism, attached to one of said first orsecond portions, for maintaining an air ventilation space between saidfirst portion and said second portion of said tent wall.
 15. A pivotabletent pole comprising: a first tent pole having a first and coupled to atent pole pivoting device; and a second tent pole having a first endcoupled to said tent pole pivoting device, for allowing said first andsecond tent poles to pivot proximate their first ends relative to oneanother while maintaining said first and second tent poles in a fixedspaced relationship.
 16. A tent comprising: a tent material for forminga tent shelter, said tent material including at least one tent polereceiving pocket, for receiving a generally rigid tent pole for formingan opening in said tent material.
 17. The tent of claim 16 wherein saidtent material includes a plurality of tent pole receiving sockets, forreceiving a plurality of generally rigid tent poles.